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In New York’s 1st congressional district race, incumbent Republican Rep. Nick LaLota defeated Democratic challenger John Avlon, according to the New York State Board of Elections.
The district represents the eastern two-thirds of Suffolk County, according to the New York State Board of Elections.
LaLota was leading Avlon by a margin of 56 to 44 percent, with 86 percent of the vote in as of 11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.
The 46-year-old LaLota is a US Navy veteran who received a law degree from Hofstra University. He previously worked as the chief of staff to the Suffolk County Legislature, commissioner of the Suffolk County Board of Elections, and chief of staff to a New York State Senator.
Responding to a survey for Ballotpedia, LaLota said his top priorities were securing the border, withholding federal funding from sanctuary cities, like New York City, that intend to use funds on non-US nationals, and restoring the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction.
The 51-year-old Avlon is a former political analyst at CNN who previously served as a columnist and associate editor for The New York Sun. He was also the chief speech writer for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Avlon vowed to defend abortion rights at the federal level in the wake of the Supreme Court overturning the constitutional right to abortion in 2022. He called for addressing the affordability crisis by increasing the Child Tax Credit and proposed more investments in climate change mitigation and water quality protection in Suffolk County.
Avlon also wanted to see Congressional action to address gun violence, including violent history checks before all gun purchases, and wanted to restore the assault weapons ban and crack down on untraceable “ghost” guns.
The most recent Siena College/Newsday poll showed LaLota leading Avlon by three percentage points, 47- to 44-percent.
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